US and international students who have earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, prior to beginning graduate study at SACI may apply for admission to the MA in Art History program. Applicants who attend, or attended, a US college or university must have earned a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 (based upon a scale in which A = 4.0). The required minimum undergraduate grade point average in Art History course work if the applicant has had no previous graduate experience is 3.3. The required minimum grade point average in previous graduate work in Art History is also 3.3. Those whose native language is not English who have not demonstrated English-language proficiency through prior study at a US institution will be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and have their TOEFL scores sent directly by ETS to SACI’s Admissions Office.

In addition to the above, to be admitted to the program applicants must demonstrate:

• Academic distinction in prior university-level study as evidenced through submission of transcripts from all schools attended showing courses completed and grades received. In reviewing applicants’ academic records, special attention will be paid to course work undertaken in areas most relevant to Art History.
   
• Academic promise in Art History as evinced through submission of two papers on art-historical themes.
   
• Strong support from instructors or others familiar with the applicant’s work as indicated through submission of at least three letters of recommendation that evaluate the applicant’s past academic performance; assess the applicant’s appropriateness for MA in Art History study in Florence at SACI and likelihood of success in the program; and appraise the applicant’s potential for career distinction as an art historian and educator.
   
• A background suggesting sufficient maturity to be able to take full advantage of the unique opportunities available through studying Art History at the graduate level in Florence.
   
• Clearly articulated educational goals and academic aspirations that could best be advanced through matriculation in SACI’s MA in Art History program. All proficiencies required for entrance to the program must be achieved prior to admittance. No credit toward the degree is permitted for study directed toward completion of these proficiencies.

Create a SACI Online Application and Pay the $70 Non-Refundable Application Processing Fee

You can edit your application at any time before it is submitted. When submitting your application, you will be asked to pay the application fee online with a Mastercard, Visa, or Discover credit card. You will be able to check the status of your SACI application through your online account. Please submit your online application prior to sending any supporting documents.

If you wish to apply for a SACI scholarship, you must indicated on your online application that you are applying for a scholarship.

Please submit your online application prior to sending any supporting documents. Upon completion of your online application, directions will be given on how to properly submit each supporting document through your MySACI account.

Official Transcripts

One set of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

International Students: All non-Canadian international students are required to complete a degree equivalent evaluation, in place of your Official Transcripts requirement, through World Education Services.

Three Letters of Recommendation 

Three recommendation letters from instructors or other artists familiar with your work (academic references preferred). A Recommendation Letter Form, which should accompany each written Letter of Recommendation, must be sent directly from the recommender to the SACI New York Admissions Office, either by mail or email. This form can be accessed on the applicant’s MySACI account.  

Short Essay

The essay should describe your area of specialization, objectives, and reasons for wishing to enter the program.

Original Papers

Two examples of original papers demonstrating the applicant’s scholarship on art-historical themes. Submit in PDF format, up to 4 MB each.

If You Have Been Out of School for More Than Three Years:

Curriculum Vitae

In addition to the above, a curriculum vitae is required of those who have been out of school for 3 or more years.

If Your Native Language Is Not English:

Evidence of Language Proficiency

See the Non-US Students section for information about English language proficiency assessments.

Once all application materials are submitted to SACI’s New York Admissions Office, a Skype Interview will be conducted. The Skype Interview is an opportunity for candidates to elaborate on their submitted materials, discuss their interests and abilities, and explore the opportunities SACI can give to meet their goals.

Interviews begin in January, and are conducted by the Director of MA in Art History program. You will be contacted by email to schedule the interview. If you are in Florence, you may choose to interview in person.